Rebels Move Into Southern Mali

Al Qaeda-backed rebels have edged into southern Mali, stoking fears of an expanding conflict.

Source: @WSJGraphics

The separatist map of Africa

When African states gained independence, the continent's new leaders agreed to respect the old colonial borders to avoid endless wars. But separatist movements still abound. (The Guardian)

 

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/interactive/2012/sep/06/africa-map-separatist-movements-interactive

War is about to begin in the Sahara Region

Northern part of Mali, called Azawad is a de facto independent state since few months after being occupied by Tuareg rebels and islamic extremists.